Weekend of Dec 14 - 17
There's no doubt the winter season in Fort Collins is undeniably stunning and is one of the best times of the year to plan a trip. Fort Collins offers plenty of activities during the winter from fat biking and snowshoeing to the ultimate foodie escape, there are so many reasons to visit Fort Collins this winter. Let us help you plan your weekend out with the itinerary below.
Itinerary DAY 1
Breakfast at Choice City Butcher and Deli
This cozy deli embodies the fun-loving and relaxed culture of Fort Collins with choice meat sandwiches and entrees served all day along a wide selection of Colorado local beers and ciders.
104 W. Olive St.
(970) 490-2489
www.choicecitybutcher.com
Fat Bike Tour
Just because there is snow on the ground doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy one of the best outdoor recreation sports Fort Collins has to offer…Mountain Biking. Fat Tire bikes allow for you to cycle through the snow on the same trails that you love during the summer. Take a tour with Front Range Ride Guides and leave the stress of research and rentals behind.
www.frontrangerideguides.com
Lunch at Choice City Butcher
This local city butcher and deli offers the perfect after-recreation meal with high quality ingredients and tasty craft beer. Enjoy a relaxed lunch after your morning of Fat Tire Biking and get the fuel you’ll need.
104 W Olive St
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 490-2489
www.choicecitybutcher.com
Explore local Natural Area
Fort Collins is home to around 50 natural areas including 100 miles of trail and over 40,000 acres of preserved and protected habitat. These areas are perfect for your next recreational outing. Enjoy activities such as fishing, mountain biking, hiking and more as you take a step into nature. These Natural Areas are open the public and conveniently located at different areas all over town for that perfect mid-day getaway.
www.fcgov.com/naturalareas
Visit the Mayor of Old Town
This locally owned and operated tap house brings the Fort Collins brewing and beer community together over a pint of beer. With 100 beers on tap, their ever rotating craft beer menu is a little bit of heaven for any beer aficionado. They also have a robust food menu and serve up some of the best burgers in town.
632 S. Mason St.
(970) 682-2410
www.themayorofoldtown.com
Drinks at Ace Gillett’s
Named and inspired by previous 1950′s Armstrong owner, Ace Gillett, the lounge evokes the feeling of class and sultry sophistication that enveloped city speakeasies during the years of prohibition. A soft dark atmosphere with espresso woods, large purple circular booths, delicate tea light candles, and one of the best places to entice Fort Collins. They have some incredibly creative and delicious tapas using unique ingredient, and some of the best drinks in our lovely Choice City.
Ace Gillett’s Lounge
239 South College Avenue
(970) 449-4797
www.acegillets.com
Itinerary DAY 2
Breakfast at the Rainbow Restaurant
The Rainbow is a family owned restaurant specializing in vegetarian breakfasts, lunch and dinners for the past 38 years. Rainbow guests come for the great fresh taste and personal touches that are the hallmarks of the local establishment. The Rainbow also offers non vegetarian options for guests who prefer to eat chicken, turkey or breakfast meats such as ham, Canadian bacon or bacon.
212 W Laurel Street
970-221-2664
rainbowfoco.com
Snowshoeing in the Poudre Canyon
The Poudre Canyon offers beautiful views during the winter season. Rent your gear in town and head up the way to a snowshoeing adventure of choice.
Mineral Spring Gulch: Located in the Poudre Canyon this trail is great for a short, mid-winter excursion. It is 4 miles long, an out-and-back trail and great for beginners.
Directions: 149-211 Crown Point Road, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Little Beaver Creek Trail: Located in the Poudre Canyon this trail is great for early season snow and is moderate in skill level. It is 2 miles long, out-and-back and gains 1,500 ft. in elevation.
Directions: 7311 North County Road 63E, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Big South Trail: This 6 miles trail is located within the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon and offers stunning views of frozen waterfalls. It is an out-and-back trail with moderate difficulty and gains 560ft in elevation.
Directions: 48924 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Green Ridge Road: Located in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon, this moderate difficulty trail offers great views from and of several frozen lakes and travels through the rolling forest. At only 3 miles long this snowshoeing trip is perfect for a quick out-and-back trip.
Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Blue Lake: As one of the most popular snowshoeing spots in the upper reaches of Poudre Canyon, this trail offers an easier short, round-trip excursions or a more challenging, all-day adventure. This trail is 4.75 miles one-way and offers beautiful views of Blue Lake surrounded by towering mountains.
Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Trap Park: Located in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon this moderately difficult trail follows a small canyon for 11.5 miles and offers beautiful views of the Neota Wilderness and beautiful riparian area.
Directions: 51561 Poudre Canyon Highway, Roosevelt National Forest, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA
Pickup gear from JAX Mercantile
JAX Mercantile is a local Fort Collins sportsman shop that sells gear for all your local outdoor adventures. Rent your snowshoeing gear here before you head up the canyon and you’ll be sure to get expert advice and fitting from the staff.
1200 N. College Ave
www.jaxmercantile.com/rentals
Lunch at the Mishawaka in the Poudre Canyon
The Mishawaka is a local’s favorite lunch spot to finish off a day of recreation in the Poudre Canyon. This live music amphitheater by summer is also a cozy mountain restaurant that sits atop the river. During the winter you can get tasty pub foods and hearty dishes to fuel up after your long day of winter recreation.
13714 Poudre Canyon Hwy
Bellvue, CO 80512
(970) 482-4420
www.themishawaka.com
Visit a local Fort Collins Brewery
Fort Collins is home to over a dozen craft breweries including nationally recognized New Belgium Brewery and Odell Brewing Co. Enjoy an afternoon at one of our local breweries small or large and wind down after your outdoor adventure.
Fort Collins breweries
Take a Horse and Carriage Ride
Horse and Carriage rides can be booked almost every night in Old Town. This is a chance to take in the beautiful scenery of Historic Old Town Fort Collins in a more intimate setting under the beautiful Holiday Lights, and maybe some light snow fall to make the experience ever more memorable. Envision you and that special someone cuddled up underneath a blanket while rolling along the historic streets of Old Town, soaking up that romantic moment. It doesn't get much better than that.
Dinner at the Colorado Room
This restaurant features all things Colorado including local foods, local beer and spirits, arts, artesian goods, music and more, all in a very fun, laid back atmosphere. The Colorado Room is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner celebrating the great state of Colorado.
642 S College Ave
(970) 682-1163
www.thecoloradoroom.com